Also Read: Triassic Dinosaurs , Jurassic Dinosaurs.
Read 840+ Cretaceous Dinosaurs from the Early Cretaceous (145 to 100.5 million years ago) to Late Cretaceous Period (100.5 to 66 million years ago).
Each entry shows the exact time span, diet, and estimated size.
Click any name to open that species page, where you can read a full description, fossil history, size estimates / Comparisons, and source references.
Every Species Mentions its Epoch and Age, For example: Protathlitis Time Period: Barremian age of the Early Cretaceous
The Cretaceous period was the last and longest segment of the Mesozoic Era, lasting from about 145 to 66 million years ago. It was a time of significant evolutionary change, when dinosaurs reached their greatest diversity before their sudden extinction at the end of the period.
- Cretaceous (145 – 66 Mya)
- Early Cretaceous (145 – 100.5 Mya)
- Berriasian (145 – 139.8 Mya)
- Valanginian (139.8 – 132.9 Mya)
- Hauterivian (132.9 – 129.4 Mya)
- Barremian (129.4 – 125.0 Mya)
- Aptian (125.0 – 113.0 Mya)
- Albian (113.0 – 100.5 Mya)
- Late Cretaceous (100.5 – 66 Mya)
- Cenomanian (100.5 – 93.9 Mya)
- Turonian (93.9 – 89.8 Mya)
- Coniacian (89.8 – 86.3 Mya)
- Santonian (86.3 – 83.6 Mya)
- Campanian (83.6 – 72.1 Mya)
- Maastrichtian (72.1 – 66.0 Mya)
- Early Cretaceous (145 – 100.5 Mya)
For Detailed Time Period Refer to Time Period Page.
Dinosaur Diversity in the Cretaceous Period
Dinosaurs of the Cretaceous included both well-known giants and smaller, specialized forms. Among the carnivores, Tyrannosaurus rex became one of the most powerful predators of its age, while relatives such as Albertosaurus and Gorgosaurus roamed North America.
In Asia, raptors like Velociraptor displayed speed and agility, hunting in environments that were increasingly dry and open. Herbivorous groups flourished as well. The duck-billed hadrosaurs, including Edmontosaurus and Parasaurolophus, developed complex teeth suited for grinding tough plants.
Ceratopsians, such as Triceratops and Styracosaurus, evolved elaborate frills and horns, which may have served both for defense and display.
In the southern continents, titanosaurs became the dominant long-necked sauropods. These massive herbivores, including Argentinosaurus and Dreadnoughtus, were among the largest land animals ever to exist.
At the same time, smaller armoured dinosaurs such as ankylosaurs protected themselves with heavy body coverings and tail clubs. The variety of ecological roles filled by these animals shows how widely dinosaurs adapted during the Cretaceous.
End of Cretaceous
The end of the Cretaceous came abruptly with the mass extinction event 66 million years ago, likely triggered by a large asteroid impact and volcanic activity.
Nearly all non-avian dinosaurs disappeared, marking the close of the Mesozoic Era. Yet their legacy continued in the form of birds, which had already appeared by this time and remain the only living dinosaurs today.
FAQ’s
Which dinosaurs dominated the Cretaceous?
The Cretaceous period was dominated by powerful predators like Tyrannosaurus rex and Velociraptor, along with major herbivores such as Triceratops, Parasaurolophus, and the giant titanosaurs like Argentinosaurus, which were among the largest land animals ever.
Why did most dinosaurs go extinct at the end of the Cretaceous?
A large asteroid impact and extensive volcanism combined to produce rapid environmental changes that caused the mass extinction.
Which was the biggest Cretaceous dinosaur?
The largest known Cretaceous dinosaur was the titanosaur Argentinosaurus, estimated to reach over 30–35 meters (100–115 ft) long and weigh up to 70–100 tons, making it one of the heaviest land animals in history.